Legal Definitions - deputy sheriff

A deputy sheriff is an officer who works under the direction of a sheriff and performs most of the duties of the sheriff's office. They are appointed for a special occasion or purpose, and may act as custodian of the county jail, execute civil and criminal process, and carry out judicial mandates within the county.

For example, if the sheriff is unavailable or needs assistance, the deputy sheriff can step in and perform their duties. They may also be responsible for patrolling the county, responding to emergency calls, and investigating crimes.

In some jurisdictions, the term undersheriff is used interchangeably with deputy sheriff. However, some writers distinguish between the two, suggesting that an undersheriff is a permanent position while a deputy is appointed for a specific purpose.

Overall, the role of a deputy sheriff is to assist the sheriff in maintaining law and order within the county and ensuring the safety of its residents.